[quote author=Mike Sokol link=topic=150364.msg1378869#msg1378869 date=1404081190]Of course generators in parallel mode are at 0 degree phase angle (so no triplen harmonics), and even if they were running at 180 degrees for a true 240/120 volt output, there's still no triplen currents. [/quote]
Triplen harmonic currents do in fact exist in the neutrals of singlephase systems. In paralleling applications, the most troublesome of the triplen harmonics, the 3 rd , can even exist when there is no load.
Since some of these terms might be foreign to your readers, let’s start with some basics: there is available on the web a very informative article by Gary Olson, Technical Support for Cummins Power, on “Paralleling Dissimilar Generators.” To summarize that article: the voltage waveform shape created by a generator is not an ideal sinusoid and no two machines are the same. Furthermore, its' shape is also effected by its' load. The resulting waveform may be described in terms of its fundamental frequency and voltage magnitude and the magnitude of the harmonic voltages and their frequencies that make it up. This harmonic voltage distortion, while small in the case of inverter generators, may still be significant, particularly in paralleling applications. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Harmonic_Content.jpg
(Harmonic Content of a Generator's Voltage Waveform)
The illustration above shows the relationship of first-order
(fundamental frequency waveform) to third- and fifth-order harmonic waveforms of the resulting waveform. The harmonic voltages are effectively added to the fundamental waveform, resulting in the pure

sinusoidal shape of the fundamental being somewhat distorted. For example, the resultant voltage at time A in the figure above will be the sum of the blue (fifth-order), green (third-order), and red voltage magnitudes. So, the instantaneous voltage at that instant in time would be somewhat higher than the voltage of the fundamental.
When generators are paralleled, the voltage of the two machines is forced to the exact same RMS voltage magnitude. Differences in the harmonic make up of the voltage waveforms result in current flowing in the common neutral conductor between the two machines even when there is no load. This is referred to as circulating neutral current
(also called “cross current.”) Its’ source is illustrated below http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_3rd_Harmonic_Generation.jpg
(How 3rd Harmonics are generated)
In this illustration, two voltage waveforms of the same RMS value (the red and blue lines) are superimposed upon each other. Note that even though these voltage waveforms have the exact same RMS magnitude
(they would read the same on a true RMS meter), at different points in time the blue voltage is higher than the red, and vice versa. Since there exists potential (voltage) between the two machines at these points, when the machines are connected together on a common bus, current will flow between the machines (cross current) even if there is no load. Note that because the blue and red voltage lines cross each

other three times in each half cycle, the cross current includes a 3rd harmonic component (this current is represented by the green line.)
The process of mathematically deriving the frequency components of a distorted periodic waveform is achieved by a technique known as a
Fourier Transform. Microprocessor based test equipment, like power quality meters, can do this mathematical analysis very quickly using a technique known as an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) which it displays as a bar graph. Each bar represents the magnitude of a harmonic frequency, be it voltage or current. Below is a power quality meter reading of the neutral cross-current that circulates between two Honda
EU6500s operating in parallel mode with no load. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Test_CC-No_Load.jpg
Even with no load on the generators (not even our transformer/distro) there is roughly two amps of neutral current with a significant 3 rd harmonic component. So, there do exist zero sequence triplen currents
(the 3 rd harmonic) when generators are operating in parallel at 0 degree phase angle. And because the neutral systems of the two machines are tied together into a common neutral bus, this cross current will continuously circulate (as illustrated below) between the two generators. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Circulating_Cross_Current.jpg

(The illustration above is for a 3-Phase System - the same principles apply
to Single-Phase Systems)
Though not significant without a load, this cross current can become a problem under certain circumstance if we add to it the triplen harmonics dumped into the neutral by non-linear loads such as nonpower factor corrected HMIs, Kinos, & LED lights. Because these harmonic currents (the triplens and the 3rd harmonic of the cross current) are in phase with one another they do not cancel in the neutral as fundamentals do, but instead build one on the other to create elevated cross current with a large 3rd harmonic component that circulates continuously on the neutral conductors. And, because the elevated 3rd harmonic cross current is at a higher frequency
(180Hz) it generates a lot of heat, resulting in the overheating of conductors and the generator's inverters (more on this latter.)
I believe what gets Mike’s “bullshit-o-meter” reading high is the commonly held assumption that zero sequence triplen harmonic currents can’t exist in single phase systems as they do in three phase systems – they do. Under balanced load conditions they are minimal, but in out of balance conditions they can be significant. Let’s start with where this assumption comes from.

http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_PP
_Image85_IA.jpg
In a power quality workshop I developed for IATSE Local 481 (New
England Studio Mechanics) I demonstrate the source of elevated neutral return currents using a non-linear load that is used by the hundreds on motion picture stages for CGI production: the Kino Flo
Image 85. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_PP
_Image85_Specs.jpg

As you can see in the Power Point slide from the workshop above,
Image 85s are rich in harmonics with a THD of 77% and a large triplen component (3 rd , 9 th , & 15 th .) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_PP
_Image85_Set-Up.jpg
In the workshop I demonstrate how and why these non-linear lighting fixtures can lead to elevated neutral returns in 3-phase systems by watching what happens on a power quality meter as fixtures on separate legs of the service are turned on one at a time (set-up pictured above) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Ne utral_3ph_Har_Image85_Comp_Sm.jpg

As you can see in the power quality readings above, absent phases B
& C, the Image 85 on phase A returned 9A to the neutral (left picture.)
When the Image 85 on phase B is switched on, and it returns another
9A to the neutral conductor, the current on the neutral climbs to
12.71A (center picture.) And, finally, when the Image 85 on phase C is switched on, and it returns another 9A to the neutral conductor, the current on the neutral climbs to 15.86A (right picture.) Even though the three phases are perfectly balanced (9A on each) the current on the neutral is 176% of any one of the individual phase legs. Clearly, there is some cancellation between the phase legs going on (otherwise the neutral would be carrying 27A), but it is not complete cancellation.
Why?
When we dump return current from each leg into the “stew pot” of the common neutral, out of phase current cancels. The Fundamentals
(A
1
,B
1
,C
1
) cancel each other out. The positive sequence harmonics
(4 th ,7 th , etc.) cancel each other out. The negative sequence harmonics
(2 nd , 5 th etc.) cancel each other out. But, the zero sequence harmonics
(3 rd , 9 th , 15 th , etc.) do not cancel each other out. Instead they add.
Why?
If, for a moment, we consider only the 3 rd harmonic (180 Hz) of each phase as they return on the neutral, you will notice in the illustration below that in each positive half-cycle of any of the fundamental waveforms, there are exactly two positive half-cycles and one negative half-cycle of 3rd harmonic. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_1p hase_3ph_cancellation_Sm.jpg

The net result, as illustrated above, is that the 3rd-harmonic waveforms of three 120 o phase-shifted fundamental-frequency waveforms are actually in phase with each other and so stack on one another rather than cancel out as the fundamentals, positive, and negative sequence harmonics do. The phase shift figure of 120 o generally assumed in three-phase AC systems applies only to the fundamental frequencies, not to their harmonic multiples. A closer look at the harmonic currents making up the neutral return of our demonstration setup reveals that, though made up primarily of the third harmonics from each phase stacking one on another, the high neutral current also consists of the, 9 th , and 15 th harmonics from each phase stacking one on another as well.
Due to their significance in three-phase power systems, the 3rd harmonic and its zero sequence multiples have their own special name: triplen harmonics. All triplen harmonics add with each other in the neutral conductor of a 4-wire wye-connected load. In power systems containing substantial nonlinear loading, the triplen harmonic currents may be of great enough magnitude to cause neutral conductors to overheat. If returned to a generator they are induced into the generator’s Stator & Rotor coils where they circulate until dissipated as heat. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_1p h_cancellation_Sm.jpg
As is evident in the illustration above, it is an altogether different situation in single-phase systems. Since the phase angle between legs is 180 degrees rather than 120 degrees, 3 rd harmonic currents are also out of phase and will for the most part cancel just as the
Fundamentals do. This is evident in the power quality meter reading

below of the neutral of a single-phase system for first just one Image
85 on one leg (left) and then a 2 nd Image 85 on the other leg which is
180 degrees out of phase (right.) As you can see here, when the two legs of a single-phase system are perfectly balanced (9 Amps on each) the triplen currents generated by a non-linear load will nearly cancel out – but not completely. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Ne utral_1ph_Har_Image85_Comp_Sm.jpg
It is worth noting that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the single-phase neutral current (98.3%) is as high as the three-phase neutral current (100%) – it just consists of higher order harmonic currents (other than the 3 rd ) at lower amplitudes. As we will see in a moment, even at these low amplitudes, the higher order harmonic currents will contribute to inverters overheating in paralleling operation.
While not canceling completely in the neutral, the triplen currents generated by non-linear loads do nearly cancel out. For this reason the harmonic currents generated by Cailen’s rig (switching power supply amplifiers, switching power supply console, powered wedges, and
LEDs) may or may not elevate the cross current to dangerous levels – it depends on how evenly he loads his system. How much is too much will be discussed in a moment, but one thing is certain, because motion picture lighting crews, more often than not, can’t evenly load their systems the harmonic content of cross current reaches hazardous levels.

[quote author=Tim McCulloch link=topic=150364.msg1379019#msg1379019 date=1404169898]
Things like this get built to meet a particular need, not to sell bullshit to the unsuspecting.[/quote]
The segment of the motion picture production industry using Honda generators (regional commercial spots, historical documentaries, and indie films - the market for which our system is designed), quite often are using them to power just one big light while they plug all their small lights into the location house power. The reason for this is that, as long as there is a sun and moon in the sky there is a need for a large HMI on interior and exterior sets because small HMIs, Kino-Flos,
& LED light panels that can be plugged into wall outlets don't come close to balancing direct sunlight in day light scenes or covering deep background in night scenes. The go to fixtures in these segments of the market are HMIs ranging from 1.2 to 4kw. In this country the majority of HMIs in this range are not power factor corrected (as they are in Europe) and so they generate significant harmonic currents. For example, the power quality meter readings below are the distorted voltage and current waveforms created by a 4k HMI with non-PFC ballast operating on an EU6500is and their corresponding Fourier
Transforms (note that the harmonic currents encountering the impedance of the generator create harmonic voltages at the same frequency.) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Non-PFC_4k_Comp.jpg
(L-to-R: Test Set-Up, Distorted Voltage (top) and current (bottom) waveforms, Corresponding Fourier Transformations (Voltage left and
Current right)

These low budget productions compound the problem presented by the harmonics generated by large non-PFC lights by operating them on a single leg of a “Splitter Box.” http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Sp litter_Box.jpg
The Splitter Box pictured above breaks out the 240V power of a generator into two circuits with film style “Bates” receptacles as well as Edison
receptacles.
Since Honda manufactures the EU6500 super quiet generator primarily for RV/home standby power, and not the film lighting market, their power output panels are not compatible with the larger motion picture lights. For this reason lighting rental houses have had to find ways to work around the limited power distribution panel that Honda puts on these generators. They do so by wiring custom distribution panels called “Splitter Boxes” that access more 120V power from the 240V twist-lock receptacle on the generators. While this approach worked well enough when the lighting loads placed on generators consisted predominantly of incandescent lights (a linear load), Splitter Boxes are inherently unsuitable to carry non-linear loads consisting predominantly of non-power factor corrected HMIs. To understand why this is the case, we must first appreciate why 240V circuits are provided on the generators in the first place (it is not to power motion picture lights) and how they work.
240V outlets are on generators to power common residential or industrial single-phase 240V loads. The most common are air

conditioners, dryers, ranges, heaters, large motors, and compressors.
If you look at the breaker of a 240V circuit on a building service panel that serves these loads, you will notice that they use two pole breakers - either 30A or 50A. Each pole of the breaker is in a sense an independent 30A or 50A 120V circuit. That is, if you measure the voltage from each pole of the breaker to ground it will be 120 volts, and if you measure the voltage between the two poles of the breaker you will notice that it is 240 volts. As illustrated below, the 120 volts of the two poles add up to 240V because the 120V circuits are on opposing legs of a single-phase service and 180 degrees out of phase of each other. In residential settings, this is how higher voltages are supplied to household appliances like dryers, electric ranges, air conditioners, motors, etc. that require more power than can be reasonably supplied by a single 120V circuit. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Vo ltage_Adds_to_240-Volts.jpg
The voltage of opposing legs of a single-phase circuit add while the current
carried on the legs subtract.
Many of these household 240V receptacles, in fact, use a three-wire system (Hot, Hot, Ground, but no Neutral) because they are designed to power single-phase linear loads (like heating elements) that draw a perfectly balanced load and return no current. Other 240V circuits use a 4-wire system (Hot, Hot, Ground, Neutral.) They include a single
Neutral wire to provide a safe return for small 120V accessories in stoves and dryers like oven lights, clocks, and timers that throw off the balance. There need be only one Neutral wire for the two Hot wires

because under normal applications the current on the Neutral is the difference between the Hot legs because of the phase cancellation.
Since oven lights, clocks, and timers don’t draw much power, there is minimal current to return on the Neutral under normal applications.
For this reason, the Neutral wire is typically the same size (10 Awg in this case) as that of the hot legs (remember the heating element of the stove/dryer operates a perfectly balanced single phase load and hence there is no return for the wire to carry from it). To service these same residential and industrial 240V loads, the 240V receptacles of portable gas generators are wired in a similar fashion with just one
Neutral of the same size as the two hot legs (see wiring schematic below). http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_ge n_wiring_sch.jpg
Generator Wiring Schematic
A Splitter Box works around the limitations of the generator power output panel, and provides additional 120V circuits, by splitting out the two 120V circuits that make up the 240V outlet. Splitter Boxes worked well enough back when the load on the 240V circuit consisted of only incandescent lights. As long as you roughly balanced your load between the two legs of the generator, phase cancellation between the legs resulted in the Neutral return being the difference between the legs and without a harmonic component. Things get a bit more complicated with non-linear lighting loads, especially in paralleling applications.

As discussed previously, harmonic currents (particularly the 3 rd ) are troublesome. When they are dumped into the return of even a balanced single-phase distribution system, they do not entirely cancel and in fact add to the 3 rd harmonic component of the no-load cross current that circulates continuously between the generators. And, when the load includes a large non-PFC HMI fixture that throws the system out of balance, the 3 rd harmonic component contributed by the load, on top of that inherent in the no-load cross current, can result in cross current with a severely elevated 3 rd harmonic component circulating between the generators.
I can’t demonstrate what would happen if one ran paralleled generators in an out of balance condition by operating the non-pfc 4k
HMI mentioned above on one side of a single phase Splitter Box because, not being a big believer in Splitter Boxes, we don’t have any in our rental inventory. But, I can give you an idea of what would happen by running comparably size linear and non-linear loads on one side of a smaller Splitter Box on one generator. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Test_CC_WS_Hor_NoReveal.jpg
(Note the yellow Splitter Box on the left provides only two 20A circuits from the 30A/240V receptacle on the generator. By comparison our 60A

Transformer/Distro provides the 3 – 20A circuits of the black gang box in the center and a 60A circuit from the same 30A/240V receptacle.)
Let’s compare the cross currents circulated by two common loads (a
2kw quartz Fresnel and a 1.2kw HMI Par) under two different situations: when power is supplied by a Splitter Box with a common neutral (the yellow distro box on the left in the picture above) and when it is supplied by one of our Transformer/Distros without a neutral
(the 60A Transformer/Distro supplying a 60A gang box on the right side of the picture above.) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Test_CC-No_Load.jpg
(The 3rd Harmonic Content of neutral cross current with no load.)
As you can see in the power quality meter reading above, there is approximately 2.08A of cross current circulating between the two machines on a continuous basis even without a load. Of that 2.08A nearly a quarter of it (.39A) consists of 3rd harmonic current. As you can see in the picture below, powering a 2kw Quartz Fresnel by means of a Splitter Box does not add to the 3rd harmonic content of the cross current because it is a linear load. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Test_CC-2K_thru_SB.jpg

(The 3rd Harmonic Content of cross current is not increased by the addition of linear loads like our 2kw Quartz Fresnel)
But, as is evident in the power quality meter reading below, it is an altogether different situation when the paralleled generators are powering a non-power factor corrected 1.2kw HMI. Even though the
1.2kw HMI draws roughly the same current as the 2kw Fresnel, because it is a non-linear load rich in harmonics it adds an additional
4.11 Amps of 3rd harmonic current to the continuously circulating cross current. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Test_CC-1.2K_thru_SB.jpg

(Powering a non-PFC 1200W HMI by means of a splitter box increases the
3rd Harmonic current circulating between the two generators by a factor of 150X.)
This 3rd harmonic content generated by the 1.2kw HMI is problematic because it will not cancel with the 3rd harmonic of the cross current generated by paralleling the generators. Where before, with a linear load, the 3rd harmonic made up 4% of the current circulating on the combined neutral, with the contribution of the 1.2kw HMI, the 3rd harmonic makes up nearly 60% of the current. And, because a greater percentage of this elevated cross current is at a higher frequency, it generates more heat (more on that latter.) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/ProSound_Par alleling_4k_3&9th_Har_Comp_Sm.jpg

If this is the result of powering just one non-PFC 1.2kw HMI, powering a 4kw HMI on one side of a Splitter Box, without an equally large nonlinear load on the other side to cancel it, will create severely elevated
3rd Harmonic current circulating between the two generators. As can be seen in the power quality readings above, in a situation where a non-PFC 4k HMI is operating on one side of a splitter box, significant
3 rd , 5 th ,7 th , and 9 th harmonic currents will be contributed to the neutral by the 4kw HMI with no harmonic current contribution by the incandescent lights to cancel it out. The net result will be nearly 30 amps of primarily harmonic currents circulating continuously on the neutral with 94% of that consisting of Triplen harmonics (3 rd = 26.2A,
9 th = 2.1A.)
[quote author=Cailen Waddell link=topic=150364.msg1378865#msg1378865 date=1404078138]
The theory makes sense to me but they don't discuss the ampacity of the loads created by their indicated conditions, and I question whether it is enough to matter....[/quote]
While the 10 AWG neutral conductor of this system could handle (but just barely) a 30A cross current at 60Hz, it is an altogether different situation when the current includes higher frequencies. Similar to the
“Eddy Currents” that will circulate in the secondary of a Delta/Wye transformer, cross current that consists primarily of harmonic currents will cause overheating of the Neutral (copper losses) and the generator’s inverters. The relationship of this “Eddy Current” heat loss to harmonic frequency is as follows: http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Overheating.jpg
(Where: PEC = Total eddy current losses, PEC-1 = Eddy current losses at full load based on linear loading only.
I h
= rms current (per unit) at harmonic h
, and h = harmonic # )

What is significant about the relationship of Eddy Current heat loss as a result of harmonic currents expressed in this equation is that the harmonic current (I h
) and harmonic number (h) are squared which means that instead of increasing in a linear fashion they increase exponentially. Put another way, the heat generated by harmonic currents just doesn’t increase gradually at higher harmonic frequencies, but it jumps drastically. In this discussion, we are focusing on the 3 rd harmonic because, between the inherent no-load
3rd harmonic component of cross current and the contribution by nonlinear loads, it can reach elevated levels. But, it is also worth noting that, as indicated in the equation above, higher order harmonics will generate as much heat as the 3 rd , but at much lower amplitudes. For instance, according to the equation above 1 amp of the 5 th harmonic will generate as much heat as 1.7
amps of the third. For this reason, the higher order harmonics (5 th , 7 th , 9 th ) of the generator cross current will also contribute to inverters overheating. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Circulating_Cross_Current.jpg

(With a common neutral bus, cross current circulates continuously
between generators operating in parallel)
It is also worth emphasizing that generators are particularly prone to overheating when used in parallel operation. That is because when generators are paralleled their neutrals are tied together into a common neutral bus and so the harmonically rich cross current generated by a non-PFC 4k HMI (consisting of not only the 3 rd harmonic, but also the 5 th ,7 th , & 9 th ) will circulate continuously between the two generators (as illustrated above), causing heat to build up to a catastrophic level. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_EU
7000_Honda_Paralleling_Prototype_Set-Up_Comp_Sm.jpg
(As the illustration of the prototype of Honda’s paralleling kit for the new
EU7000 indicates, the generators are meant to provide only 240V power in paralleling operation.)
How much is too much harmonic content in cross current for inverter generators in parallel operation? Honda is very tight lipped about their research, but we can infer from their design of the new paralleling capable EU7000is that even at low levels, harmonically rich cross current will cause inverters to burn out over time. For this reason, in the design of their new paralleling EU7000is, Honda incorporates noise filters where there are none in the EU6500is which was not designed for paralleling operation (see wiring schematic comparison below for details.) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_In

verter_Wiring_Schematic_EU7000-6500_Com_Sm.jpg
(A comparison of the red shaded areas of the wiring schematics of a
EU6500is (top) verses that of a EU7000is (bottom) indicates that Honda engineers deemed it necessary to incorporate noise filters in the EU7000 even though it is meant to provide only 240V power in paralleling operation.)
It is worth noting that Honda’s paralleling system for their new
EU7000is supplies only 240V power (Honda’s prototype paralleling box, illustrated above, includes only a 50A/240V Twist-lock receptacle.) That Honda’s engineers deemed it necessary to incorporate noise filters in generators that are designed to provide power to only 240V loads in parallel operations, loads that by their nature will not return harmonic currents on the neutral, is an indication of how damaging to inverters harmonically rich cross currents can be even at low amplitudes. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_No_Circulating_Cross_Current.jpg

One way to avoid the problems associated with even low level harmonic currents continuously circulating on the Neutral, is to simply drop the Neutral. For this reason, we designed the electrical distribution of our paralleling set-up as a single-phase 240V system
(Hot-Hot-Ground-no Neutral.) By removing the Neutral, we remove the path on which, not only the most disruptive current (the 3rd harmonic) can flow in a paralleling set up, but also higher order harmonic currents as well. On our system, HMIs 6kw and larger operate single-phase and hence return no harmonic currents to circulate as cross current. To operate 120V lights that require a
Neutral (HMIs smaller than 6kw, Kinos, and Quartz lights), you would use either our 60 or 84 Amp Transformer/Distro to step-down the combined 240V of the generators to 120V as illustrated below. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralelling_Copy_Trans_Gen_Isolation_Sm.jpg

(Our Transformer/Distros isolate triplen harmonics from the generators so
that they can not elevate cross current to a hazardous level.)
The delta/wye configuration of our Transformer/Distros both create the required Neutral connection for smaller 120V loads, but at the same time isolate the generators from the 3rd harmonics created by these loads that would otherwise lead to elevated cross current, hot conductors, and overheated inverters. The harmonic currents generated by small HMIs, Kinos, & LEDs will cause heating of the primary of the Transformer/Distro (it can take it - it's a K-rated transformer), but the disruptive effect of their flow in the system
Neutral of the paralleled generators is eliminated so the generator inverters remain cool. By eliminating a neutral connection between the gen-set bus and the loads, a Transformer/Distro eliminates the reason
(overheating by harmonic currents) that prevented the successful parallel operation of EU6500s for 120V loads. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/Pro_Sound_Pa ralleling_Copy_Test_CC-1.2K_thru_Trans.jpg
(Powering the same non-PFC 1200W HMI by means of a Transformer/Distro

instead virtually eliminates the 3rd Harmonic current circulating between
the two generators.)
For example, when we remove the path on which the disruptive 3rd harmonic current generated by the 1.2kw HMI in our example above can flow back to our paralleling set-up by using our Transformer/Distro to power the light instead of the Splitter Box, the 3rd harmonic content of the cross current (as can be seen in the power quality meter reading below) is substantially reduced (by a factor of 150x) and so the generator’s inverters will operate a lot cooler and not melt down. By eliminating a neutral connection between the gen-set bus and the loads, a Transformer/Distro eliminates the reason
(overheating by harmonic currents) that prevented the successful parallel operation of EU6500s for 120V loads - making it now possible to operate more lights, or larger lights, on portable Hondas than has ever been possible.
Stephen Swaffer is correct when he wrote:
[quote author=Stephen Swaffer link=topic=150364.msg1379063#msg1379063 date=1404190432]
The paralleled gennys provide 240 volt 4 wire out-like is typically seen.
Their distro includes a transformer that does not use a neutral-just connects to the 240 volt hots and steps it down to the 120 volt "heavy duty" circuit. … To get the full "benefit" of their design you have to buy both pieces-it seems to me.[/quote]
[quote author=Jonathan Johnson link=topic=150364.msg1379212#msg1379212 date=1404250211]
My guess is that for a generator with 120/240V 100A output (24kVA), you are limited to 100A per leg. If you have a lighting rig that requires a single 120V connection in excess of 100A, that output won't work for you. However, if you have a step-down transformer with an input of
240V 100A, you can have an output of 120V 200A. (Well, a little less, to account for transformer losses.) You would be able to connect your
120V 150A singel-connection lighting rig to the output of that stepdown transformer. Such a setup would allow you to avoid renting or buying a 50kVA generator (25kVA per 120V leg). [/quote]
Jonathan’s logic is correct but he is off in magnitude. Honda’s continuous load rating for both the unmodified EU6500is and the new
EU7000is is 5500VA, which translates to roughly 46A at 240V. In parallel operation the combined output of two machines will be 92A at
240V. The larger of our two Transformer/Distros (10kVA) will step

down this combined 240V output to a 84A/120V circuit that is capable of powering a larger load (a 10kw incandescent lamp), or more small loads, than has ever been possible on portable generators.
[quote author=Jonathan Johnson link=topic=150364.msg1378875#msg1378875 date=1404084403]
Aspects of safety, warranty, and liability aside, I can see a few reasons to go for parallel/synchronized generators:[/quote]
I would like to expound upon several of Jonathan’s points. First:
[quote author=Jonathan Johnson link=topic=150364.msg1378875#msg1378875 date=1404084403]
[list type=decimal]
[li]Size: you may need to transport the generators in a vehicle where two small gennys can fit but a larger one won't.[/li]
[/list] [/quote]
For indie movie productions, one of the biggest budget obstacles to obtaining good production values is the cost of an 18kw HMI Fresnel and the blimped movie generator to power it. Even though the blimped diesel tow plant required to power an 18k HMI are not that expensive
(about $795), they come with hidden costs that put the production values that can be gained with a large HMI beyond the reach of most indie productions.
Since rental trucks like those from Ryder or Penske are not equipped to tow, indie productions have to hire a rental house's grip truck to tow them. And, since most rental houses require that one of their employees drive their trucks (for insurance reasons), the production has to hire a driver at roughly $575/10hrs - which is probably more than anyone else on a typical indie crew is getting paid. All of this makes the use of an 18kw HMI very expensive.
Fortunately, there have been several recent technological developments that put the production values that can only be obtained with a HMI within the reach of indie productions. The first is Arri’s introduction of their new M90 HMI. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/M90-60-Small.jpg

(The light generated by the CAD designed Max Reflector of the new
M90/60 is incredibly bright and sharp.)
Utilizing a new 9 kW HMI lamp, and Arri’s unique MAX reflector, the
M90 creates diverging parallel rays to produce a crisp light with even distribution through a wide spot/flood range. The result is a lens-less open face fixture with a quality of light close to that of a Fresnel. The elimination of spread lenses like those used on HMI Pars, makes the
ARRI MAX reflector lamp heads comparable in output to par configurations of a higher wattage. In fact, the M90 is brighter than some 18K Fresnels on the market, yet weighs 67lbs less. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/M90_Ballast_Small.jpg
(The Active Line Filtration (ALF) of the new ARRI EB 6000/9000 ballast makes it an incredibly efficient and clean load.)
To power the new M90 head, ARRI has engineered a dual-wattage ballast. The EB 6000/9000 will operate either the traditional 6kw SE globe in the M90 head, or the new 9kw SE globe, on supply voltages ranging from 195-250V. With Active Line Filtration (ARRI's system of
Power Factor Correction) built in, the EB 6000/9000 ballast is incredibly efficient and generates virtually no harmonic noise. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/EU_6500_Para llel_Pkg_w_M90_Sm.jpg
The combined 100A output of paralleled Honda EU6500s is sufficient to operate the new Arri M90 as well as additional set lighting.
Drawing only 84 Amps, the M90 can operate on the combined 100A output of our paralleled Honda EU6500s. This approach is a lot less expensive because it eliminates the hidden costs of transporting a diesel tow plant to set. Not only is this approach a lot less expensive, it is a lot more manageable for a small indie crew and offers more versatility. It is a lot more manageable because you don’t have to run heavy feeder cables a long distance. It is more versatile because when you don't need the punch of a 18kw Fresnel, you can swap the 9kw globe for a 6kw globe making more power available to run additional lights on the paralleled EU6500s. For example, you save 27 Amps when you swap out a 9kw bulb for a 6kw bulb. The 27 Amps you save by burning the smaller 6kw globe will power quite a few more lights when you consider that both the ARRI L7 LED Fresnel and Kino Flo
Parabeam 400 use approximately 2 Amps. In fact, such versatility now enables the operation on portable putt-putt generators of just

about all the lights needed to shoot a night exterior on a digital cinema camera. This combination of smaller, brighter, more efficient lights, powered by paralleling portable generators makes it now possible for indie productions to achieve, at a fraction of the cost, the big budget production values that in the past required 18k HMIs and diesel tow plants.
[quote author=Jonathan Johnson link=topic=150364.msg1378875#msg1378875 date=1404084403]
[list type=decimal]
[li]Price: you may be just starting your business and only need one generator, and eventually need to expand to larger capacity and don't want to dish out for a generator of the proper size.[/li]
[/list] [/quote]
We have designed our HD Plug-n-Play Gen-set system so that one can build-up their power generation capacity in an incremental fashion as their productions require. In fact, you don’t even need a generator to increase your production values with our system. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/ images/genera tors/iRobot_Comp_1.jpg
Left: Transformer/Distro plugged into a 30A/240V dryer outlet.
Right: 4K HMI Par under rain protection powered by
Transformer/Distro
Our Transformer/Distros can create larger 120V circuits, capable of power larger HMIs & Tungsten lights, from common household 240V receptacles like range and dryer outlets (use this link for more details. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/html/emailnewsletter_generators.
html#anchorSingle%20Large%2060A/120V%20Circuit http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/ images/genera tors/iRobot_Comp_2.jpg
Left: Arri AS18 1800W Par powered from Transformer/Distro.
Right: 4Kw and 1800W HMI ballasts powered from
Transformer/Distro
When house power is not available, our Transformer/Distros will provide access to the full power available from a 4500-6500W rental

generator by stepping-down it’s 240V output to a single large 120V circuit (the size of the circuit depends on the size of the generator.)
When you need the most power that can be obtained from a single generator, and it makes sense to invest in one, the same
Transformer/Distro will provide a 60A/120V circuit, capable of powering HMIs up to 4kw and Tungsten lights up to 5kw, from the enhanced 7500W output of our modified Honda EU6500is. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/ images/genera tors/IRobotComposite1_alt.jpg
A sunny feel is created on an overcast day by a Honda
EU6500is powering a 4kw HMI Par and a 1800W ArriMax for a commercial.
When you need a larger daylight source to balance the sun on day exteriors, or to replace the sun on day interiors, our Paralleling Control
Box will combine the output of two Honda EU6500s to generate an unprecedented 100 Amps of power from portable generators (use this link for more details.) http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/html/emailnewsletter_generators.
html#anchorParallelingEU6500s http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/ images/genera tors/IRobotCompoite2_alt.jpg
A sunny feel is created on an overcast day by a Honda
EU6500is powering a 4kw HMI Par and a 1800W ArriMax for a commercial
A complete paralleling system consists of two Honda EU6500s, a
Paralleling Control Box, and one of our Transformer/Distros (either 60- or 84- Amps.) All you need to start generating 100 Amps on set, is the
Honda EU6500s (which you can rent since no modification is necessary) and our Paralleling Control Box. http://www.screenlightandgrip.com/images/generators/ images/genera tors/EU_6500_Parallel_Pkg_w_M90_Sm.jpg
Our new HD Plug-n-Play Paralleling System can power the new
9kw Arri M90 HMI as well as 2000W of additional lights
Guy Holt, Gaffer, Lighting and Grip Equipment Rental & Sales in
Boston